LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) – The UNLV volleyball team returns to Las Vegas and the Cox Pavilion to begin a four-match homestand Thursday night versus the Wyoming Cowgirls. The Rebels will play all four in a span of eight days, including contests against the Colorado State Rams (Saturday/2:00 pm), New Mexico Lobos (Tuesday/6:00 pm) and Air Force Falcons (Oct. 23/6:00 pm).
These four tilts fall right in the middle of a stretch that will see the Scarlet & Gray play eight of 12 at home, and it began with back-to-back 3-1 wins over San Jose State (Oct. 4) and UNR (Oct. 6).
On the flip side, UNLV just completed a run of playing eight of 11 away from the Cox Pavilion. From Sept. 14 to Oct. 20, the Rebels traveled to Missouri, Utah, New Mexico, Colorado and California with only three home matches sprinkled in the mix. In all, the team went 8-3 with a perfect 3-0 mark at home and a 5-3 showing in road-neutral contests.
TUNE IN, WATCH & LISTEN: Live stats for both of UNLV's matches this week can be found online at UNLVRebels.com in the "schedule" section of the volleyball page. Additionally, each contest will be streamed live via the Mountain West Network, and, they too, will be linked to UNLVRebels.com.
PROMOTIONAL ITEMS OF INTEREST
Thursday, Oct. 18: International Night
-The Rebel volleyball program will recognize its three international student-athletes:
Elsa Descamps,
Elena Ivanova and
Thea Sweder.
Saturday, Oct. 20: Dig Pink Match
-The Rebel volleyball program will wear pink in recognition of breast cancer awareness.
-The first 200 fans through the Cox Pavilion doors will receive a special pink ribbon pin.
-The American Cancer Society will have a table with breast cancer awareness information.
ON THE SIDELINES: UNLV stays home next week - albeit a short one - with Tuesday and Thursday matches against New Mexico and Air Force. Both bouts are slated to begin at 6:00 pm.
MAKING THE TURN: Thursday's match between UNLV and Wyoming signals the end of the first half of the Mountain West season for both teams. The Rebels open the second half of the MW campaign against Colorado State, and will play five of their final nine at home.
SCOUTING THIS WEEK'S OPPOSITION
Thursday's Opponent: Wyoming Cowgirls (14-6 overall, 6-2 MW)
-Enters the week riding a four-match win streak, with victories over Colorado State, Air Force, Utah State and Boise State.
-The Cowgirls began the year 8-1 and then suffered through a stretch where they lost five of seven before this current run of success.
-The Cowgirls have played 10 of their matches to only three sets with a 9-1 showing, while they've combined for a 5-5 mark in those that have gone four or five frames: 3-2 in four, 2-3 in five.
-The Cowgirls are 11-0 at home, but 3-6 away from Laramie with a 1-4 record in true road contests.
-The Rebels lead the all-time series 24-22; however, the Bulldogs have won the last two meetings after UNLV had won the previous three.
Saturday's Opponent: Colorado State Rams (13-6 overall, 5-2 MW)
-Enters the week riding a two-match win streak, with victories over Air Force and Boise State.
-The Rams began the year 2-2 before they rattled off a 9-2 mark; however, the team has gone 2-2 in its last four.
-The Rams have played nine of their matches to only three sets with a 8-1 showing, while they've combined for a 5-5 mark in those that have gone four or five frames: 4-4 in four, 1-1 in five.
-The Rams are 7-2 at home, but 6-4 away from Fort Collins with a 4-4 record in true road contests.
-The Rams lead the all-time series 39-7, and have won five straight with the last UNLV win coming on Nov. 1, 2014 (3-1 score).
MARIENA(CE) TO SOCIETY: One year ago,
Mariena Hayden concluded her freshman season with a total of 43 aces in 31 matches. Thus far, in 2018, she has aced 68 serves in only 20 contests. Not only are those 68 aces the most by a Rebel in a single season, but they rank first overall in the NCAA (through Oct. 14). Additionally, her average of 0.89 aces per set is also tops in the nation.
Hayden's closest competitors Alcorn State's Fiapaipai Iosia and South Carolina's Aubrey Ezell sit second (51) and third (48), respectively, in service aces. The two are tied for second in aces per set (0.77).
WHAT-A-START: UNLV's 14-6 start is tied with the 2006 squad for the fifth-best record through 20 matches in program history. There are only four editions that have better win-loss records, with the 2016 squad sitting in first with its 18-2 display. Sitting second through fourth are 2007 (17-3), 1998 (16-4) and 2014 (15-5).
PURCHASE TICKETS: Single-game ticket prices this season are $8 for adults, $6 for faculty/staff and seniors, although a special internet price of $5 is available for all tickets bought online at UNLVTickets.com, good up to three hours before the match. All high school, middle school and elementary students are now free under UNLV's new admission policy. To receive free admission, high school students must present valid Nevada area school I.D. at the box office on gameday to receive one (1) complimentary ticket. All other students will receive a complimentary ticket at the box office (no I.D. required). Kids not yet elementary school age will continue to receive free admission for all UNLV Olympic sports.
